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ODENSE (Denmark): Liew Daren’s Denmark Open campaign suffered a premature ending after he was forced to retire from his first round match against India’s P. Kashyap with a swollen left foot on Wednesday.

World No. 16 Daren lasted only eight minutes when he conceded a walkover while trailing 4-11.

Daren’s French Open title defence next week is now at risk.

“I really don’t know what happened to my foot. I woke up this morning and it was badly swollen,” said Daren.

“I was fine during the practice sessions the past two days and I certainly did not twist my ankle.

“There is no infection as well and I don’t think there’s any allergy involved.

“It’s definitely disappointing to exit this way ... I don’t even know if I can compete in next week’s French Open.”

Kashyap who will go on to face either home favourite Jan O Jorgensen or Japan’s Takuma Ueda, admitted that it would have been nicer to get more time on court.

“I’ll be fresher for the second round but getting more time on court to adjust to the rhythm would have been important as well,” said the world No. 13.

Elsewhere, another Indian shuttler – Ajay Jayaram – came up with the upset of the day in packing off eighth seed Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in straight games.

Ajay won 21-11, 21-14 and will take on compatriot - R.M.V. Gurusaidutt – for a place in the quarter-finals.

“It was a lot easier than I expected. Boonsak is a very experienced player and I expected a better fight,” said Ajay.

“But I had a good start and played a better attacking game and I’m definitely looking forward to facing Gurusaidutt in the next round.”

Third and fourth seeds Du Pengyu of China and Japan’s Kenichi Tago also nearly capitulated in the first round before pulling through in three games.